Cablevision Records Strong 1Q Growth

Cablevision Systems racked up another strong quarter of growth for its new digital services, as its high-speed data, voice over IP (VoIP) and digital video products all scored big gains. In a reflection of strong continued sales for its triple-play bundle, Cablevision reported Thurs. that it signed up 88,000 cable modem, 92,000 VoIP and 140,000 digital video subscribers in the winter quarter. As a result, it continues to top the industry in both digital penetration (more than 50% of basic customers) and data penetration (more than 32%). With the addition of 92,000 VoIP subscribers, Cablevision ended the quarter with a total of 364,000 voice customers, placing it just behind new industry leader Time Warner Cable. But Cablevision, which said it has already passed 400,000 voice subscribers since then, still maintains a higher VoIP penetration rate than the much larger Time Warner. Unlike most MSOs, Cablevision also picked up more basic cable customers in the first quarter. It added nearly 22,000 basic subscribers.